To secure an affordable energy future.
For more than 23 years, Southwest Gas has proudly served Sahuarita’s residents and businesses with safe, affordable and clean natural gas. In 2000, the citizens of Sahuarita voted to approve a franchise agreement with Southwest Gas to guide the utility’s work within the town. With that agreement set to expire, Mayor Tom Murphy and the Sahuarita Town Council have unanimously approved and referred a new agreement, known as Proposition 404, to voters for their consideration. Passage of Proposition 404 will continue the mutually beneficial relationship between the Town of Sahuarita and Southwest Gas and ensure residents continue to realize important benefits including:
Access to Affordable Energy
Ensures Sahuarita has consistent access to balanced energy options, including affordable and clean natural gas.
Community Investment for Sahuarita
Provides the Town of Sahuarita with a revenue stream to support public safety, streets, parks, facilities and economic development.
Accountability for All
Establishes the rules of the road and holds Southwest Gas accountable to working within the rules established by the Town of Sahuarita.
Does Not Increase Your Natural Gas Rates
Approving the franchise agreement does not increase your natural gas rates or Southwest Gas revenues.
Southwest Gas humbly asks for your YES vote on Proposition 404 on the November 5, 2024 ballot to continue our productive relationship with the Town of Sahuarita.
Extends The Partnership Between Sahuarita And Southwest Gas
If Proposition 404 is ratified by the voters, Southwest Gas will retain non-exclusive rights to use streets, alleys and other public places to serve current and new customers in Sahuarita. In exchange, Southwest Gas will provide the Town of Sahuarita an annual payment equal to 2% of the gross revenues that the company generates within the town. These funds will help support critical town services like public safety, road repair and parks and recreation programs.
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For further information, please contact Southwest Gas Public Affairs Department at
GovernmentAffairs@swgas.com
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Southwest Gas is Committed to ArizonaCommunity InvolvementOver $1.7 million with over $1,008,812 contributed by Southwest Gas employees to 64 Arizona non-profits in 2023. Capital Investment in Arizona$1.7 billion between 2019 – 2023.
Major EmployerOver 1,000 Arizona employees who live and work in the communities we serve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a franchise?
A franchise is a contract between the city/town and Southwest Gas. The franchise gives us non-exclusive rights to use streets, alleys and other public rights-of-way to construct, maintain and operate our natural gas facilities safely and efficiently to serve customers.
Does Southwest Gas have franchise agreements with other municipalities?
Yes. We have franchise agreements with 50 municipalities and counties that we serve in Arizona.
Why do we need to vote on a franchise?
The Arizona Constitution requires that voters in the city/town approve a municipal franchise.
How long will the franchise be in effect?
Southwest Gas’ franchise agreements are established for a 25-year term. If approved, this agreement will be in effect until 2049.
Does the franchise involve a payment to the Town of Sahuarita?
Yes. As with the other Southwest Gas municipal franchises, the franchise fee is 2% percent of Southwest Gas’ revenue from customers within the town. The franchise fee funds important town services such as road improvements, community & economic development, and the town's facilities.
Why should voters approve the franchise between Southwest Gas and the Town of Sahuarita?
The franchise is important because it provides stability and helps the Town of Sahuarita effectively and economically plan in coordination with Southwest Gas. It also ensures we are using rights-of-way safely and efficiently and that we comply with regulations regarding the use of town streets for our facilities.
What happens if a majority of voters do not approve the franchise?
Elections will be held until an agreement is approved by voters, as required by the Arizona Constitution. Each election would create additional costs for the city/town and Southwest Gas. In the interim, we would continue to provide safe, reliable natural gas service.
Who can I contact with questions?
Please contact the Southwest Gas Public Affairs Department at
GovernmentAffairs@swgas.com
Why Natural Gas Makes Sense
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It's AffordableNatural gas bills are typically amongst the lowest an average consumer pays each month.
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It's ReliableThe ideal companion for renewables like wind and solar, natural gas is available when the sun isn't shining and the wind doesn’t blow.
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It's CleanNatural gas maintains 91%* of its efficiency in transport from source to home for cooking, space heating, water heating and clothes drying needs.
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It's PreferredHot showers, warm homes and sizzling meals cooked over a natural gas flame are just a few of the reasons 92%** of Arizonans want the choice of natural gas in their homes.
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